Abdominal lift device

Abstract

An abdominal lift for use in endoscopic surgery is described. The lift defines a substantial portion of a circle. It has a spoke portion and an upstanding member. Its surface may be mechanically compliant and may be coated with an adhesion prevention agent or a lubricous coating. The described method of use includes use of a starter lift followed by insertion of the abdominal lift. The abdominal lift is elevated to establish a pneumoperitoneum at or near ambient air pressure.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. An abdominal lift device, comprising: a rigid curved lift portion, said lift portion having substantially the same radius of curvature continuously along the length thereof so as to define a substantial portion of a circle having a tapered free end and a closed end;   a spoke portion extending radially inwardly from said closed end of said lift portion;   an upstanding member extending from said spoke portion and having a lower end connected to said spoke portion, said lower end of said upstanding member being located substantially in the center of said lift portion; and   a handle member extending from said upstanding member, said handle member lying in a plane substantially parallel to said lift portion.   
     
     
       2. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said upstanding member is substantially vertical. 
     
     
       3. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said curved portion extends approximately 270°. 
     
     
       4. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said curved lift portion includes a mechanically compliant outer layer. 
     
     
       5. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spoke portion includes a mechanically compliant outer layer. 
     
     
       6. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said mechanically compliant outer layer comprises an open cell polymeric foam. 
     
     
       7. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 4 where said mechanically compliant outer layer comprises a closed cell polymeric foam. 
     
     
       8. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said mechanically compliant outer layer comprises a soft textile material. 
     
     
       9. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said mechanically compliant outer layer comprises an elastomeric material of low durometer. 
     
     
       10. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said curved lift portion includes an adhesion prevention agent. 
     
     
       11. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 10 wherein said adhesion prevention agent comprises hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
       12. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 10 wherein said adhesion prevention agent comprises a derivative of hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
       13. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spoke portion includes an adhesion prevention agent. 
     
     
       14. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said curved lift portion has a coefficient of friction below approximately 0.1. 
     
     
       15. An abdominal lift device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spoke portion has a coefficient of friction below approximately 0.1.